II. He sought the bold Crusade; Told Helen how he sped. The Author had resolved to omit the following version of a well-known Poem, in any collection which he might make of his poetical trifleş. But the publishers having pleaded for its admission, the Author has consented, though not unaware of the disadvantage at which this youthful essay (for it was written in 1795) must appear with those which have been executed by much more able hands, in particular that of Mr. Taylor of Norwich, and that of Mr. Spencer. The following Translation was written long before the Author saw any other, and originated in the following circumstances :--A lady of high rank in the literary world read this romantic tale, as translated by Mr. Taylor, in the house of the celebrated Professor Dugald Stewart of Edinburgh. The Author was not present, nor indeed in Edinburgh at the time; but a gentleman who had the pleasure of hearing the ballad, afterwards told him the story, and repeated the remarkable chorus III. At length a truce was made, The tears his love had shed. IV. With many a song of joy; The badge of victory. " Tramp! tramp! across the land they speede, Splash! splash! across the sea; Dost fear to ride with me?" V. To meet them crowd the way, The debt of love to pay. In attempting a translation, then intended only to circulate among friends, the present Author did not hesitate to make use of this impressive stanza ; for which freedom he has since obtained the forgiveness of the ingenious gentleman to whom it properly belongs. VI. And sobb’d in his embrace, Array'd full many a face. · Tae Chase and WILLIAM AND HELEN; Two Ballads, and W. Davies, in the Strand, London. 1796. 4to.-See from the German of Gottfried Augustus Bürger. Edinburgh: “ Essay on Imitations of the Ancient Ballad," ante p. 565 Printed by Mundell and Son, Royal Bank Close, for Manners and Life of Scott, vol. i. chapters 7 and 8 and Miller, Parliament Square; and sold by T. Cadell, jun., |